Safe Use

Be Careful When Consuming

Marijuana can be a powerful substance, especially if you don’t use it appropriately. Here are some guidelines to using it safely.

Store it Safely

Store all cannabis products in a locked area, out of sight and out of reach of children. Keep cannabis in the child-resistant packaging from the retailer. Remember, how you store cannabis should change as your children get older. What works to protect a toddler from accidental ingestion may not work to protect a curious teenager who might actually be looking for it.

Be Responsible

Always keep cannabis safely out of reach of children. If a child eats or drinks cannabis by accident, they may need immediate medical help. Signs of accidental ingestion include: problems walking or sitting up, difficulty breathing, and becoming sleepy. If you worry a child may have ingested cannabis accidentally, call the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222). If the reaction seems bad, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.

If you’re a pet owner, you should also store your cannabis safely. Call a veterinarian if your pet is showing the following symptoms of ingesting cannabis: depression and listlessness, loss of motor coordination, loss of balance, vomiting or low body temperature.

Go Slow

Cannabis affects everybody differently, and varying doses, strains and forms can lead to different lengths and strengths of impairment. If you are unsure how cannabis will affect you, start with a low dose. For edibles, a serving is 10 mg. Concentrated THC products should only be used by those who have used cannabis in the past.

Some Things Don’t Mix

Using alcohol and cannabis at the same time is likely to result in greater impairment than when using either one alone. Use both with caution, and remember, it’s not a good idea to combine them. Also, be aware of the effect cannabis can have on prescription drugs. Ask your doctor if cannabis could interfere with your prescribed medication.

Oops, You Had Too Much

The symptoms of using too much cannabis are similar to the typical effects of using cannabis, but more severe. These symptoms may include: confusion, fatigue, anxiety, paranoia, panic, accelerated heart rate, increased blood pressure and nausea/vomiting. If someone is having trouble breathing, or is unresponsive, call 911.

Know Where You Can and Cannot Consume

Public space, federal land, and your car are not the place to use medical cannabis. Your home is the safest place to use medical cannabis.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence

By law, impaired drivers can be charged with a DUI. If you are smoking, wait at least 6 hours before driving. If you are ingesting, wait at least 8 hours before driving.